Pennsylvania DEP Funds 61 Projects from Sunoco Penalty
Grants have been awarded for stormwater management, invasive species removal, forest restoration, farm runoff reduction, streambank restoration, and many other projects that ultimately improve water quality in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced that 61 projects around the state will receive grants from the $12.6 million penalty assessed to Sunoco for violations related to the Mariner East 2 pipeline project. The selected projects will improve water quality, restore watersheds, and improve stormwater management.
"One thing that all of these projects have in common is that they will improve Pennsylvania's water – whether that is through reducing runoff pollution, restoring watersheds, or other means," said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. DEP collected the penalty in February 2018 for numerous violations along the Mariner East 2 pipeline and began accepting grant applications in April.
Grants have been awarded for stormwater management, invasive species removal, forest restoration, farm runoff reduction, streambank restoration, and many other projects that ultimately improve water quality in Pennsylvania. Grantees include County Conservation Districts, municipalities, school districts, and non-profit organizations. "These projects do not absolve Sunoco of its responsibility to restore any damage to Pennsylvania waters and wetlands through the construction of the pipeline. But it is nice that this penalty could be put directly towards other deserving improvement projects in the communities along the right of way," said McDonnell. "DEP has been vigilant in holding Sunoco accountable for violations and will continue to do so."